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Motorcycle safety

According to the Department of Transport's THINK! road safety campaign, motorcyclists make up just 1% of traffic on our roads but 19% of all fatalities. They are 55 times more likely than car drivers to be killed or seriously hurt in an accident.

Furthering your riding skills could help to improve your safety on the road.

What is BikeSafe?

BikeSafe is a national police-run scheme running workshops that can help you on the path to enhanced rider skills. The aim of BikeSafe is to encourage post-test training and to improve rider attitude and behaviour and in doing so reduce the number of motorcyclists being killed or seriously injured.

Whether you passed your test 6 months ago, 6 years ago or even 26 years ago, you can always improve your skill levels to make you a safer rider and make your riding experiences more enjoyable.

How do I take part in BikeSafe?

BikeSafe workshops are run on Sundays between late Spring and early Autumn in Gloucestershire, working with our neighbouring police forces in Avon and Somerset and Wiltshire.

The workshops are aimed at motorcyclists who hold full current motorcycle licences. Sorry, but we cannot cater for learner riders.

Any style of motorcycle or capacity is welcome as long as your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition and road-legal.

Places on the workshops cost £25 and are limited so don’t leave it too late to book!

Once you’re onto the BikeSafe website, follow the instructions on the home page to book a workshop.

Workshops are available in Gloucestershire, or you may find it more convenient to book a place on a Wiltshire or Avon and Somerset Police run workshop.

Turn up on the day you’ve booked and you’ll be welcomed by police advanced motorcyclists and riders from local advanced motorcycling groups.

The first part of the day is spent in the classroom exploring the hazards that riders face. Advanced police riders will deliver theory presentations covering topics like cornering, hazards, dealing with junctions, filtering etc.

The afternoon session will consist of observed rides on the road where, in small groups, you will be observed by an advanced rider from the police or local advanced riding group who will help you put into practice what was discussed during the classroom session.

Individual feedback will be given to help you understand your strengths and weaknesses and improve your skills, knowledge and hazard awareness that will make you a safer, better rider.

This is really helpful, is there any more advice?

How about getting involved in other rider groups such as Advanced Motorcyclists, RoSPA and the Enhanced Rider Scheme? These help you build on your existing skills.

Log on to the BikeSafe website which gives details of groups that BikeSafe recommends who can offer further training.

Our partners at the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership can also help you to find out more about becoming a better rider and help you get the best out of the motorcycling experience. Click here to find out more. Stay safe!